Tools I Love & Use for My Website
Running a website can be hard work, and since many of you are interested in how I do it, I created a page detailing some of my essentials to help make it easier for you!
I’ve listed many of my favorite resources I regularly use to help save your time sanity. Now you can skip the hours of research on google and simply get to work!
Disclaimer, this list does include affiliate links. So, when you click on certain links and sign up for the products or services I recommend, I will receive a small commission. For more information on how this works, please review my website “disclaimer” below. That said, I hope this is helpful and wish you the best of luck in your blogging endeavors 🙂
Website development
Bottom line up front, if you want to have a professional blog…you need hosting. For just over a dollar per week – practically pocket change, right? – you can launch and manage a website of your own. My blog is hosted with them and so far I’ve got nothing but praise; they’re reliable and smooth sailing all around! In short, highly recommend!
If you’re serious about your website, WordPress.org is the obvious choice! And no, it’s different from its sibling WordPress.com, so save your time looking at the.com version. It’s a self-hosted site, and you have access to many more features and SEO tools that can help take your page up another level – just be sure to get hosting via Bluehost first, or else you might accidentally double-pay (you’re welcome).
Blogging/Editing
Want to write without worrying about proofreading or glaring grammar mistakes? Grammarly’s got you covered! With its simple app or easy extension, don’t stress over typos – it’ll automatically proofread your emails, posts, and more. Best of all? It won’t cost a penny to take advantage of this helpful tool!
Ginger packs a powerful punch with FREE content editing! Not only can it edit as you write, but this super-convenient tool also has the option to install it in Microsoft Word. Whether your masterpiece is crafted on MSWord or anywhere else online, Ginger’s got your back and will provide helpful pointers so that each word shines like gold! Perfect for those who need help perfecting our writing – right in the program we’re already using.
Keyword Research
To get serious about your content, forget the keywords guessing game! This keyword research tool is a must-have – it gives everyone (regardless of experience level) all the insight they need. It lets you know what your audience’s searching for so that those juicy keywords can make their way into everything from blog posts to ad campaigns. Plus, there’s even a free version with just enough juice if budgeting still needs to be ready – but when it comes time to step up and see real success – the upgrade is def worth it if you can make it work!
Want to go way beyond the basics with your keyword research? Get creative by combining two powerful tools – Keyword Finder and SEMrush. With these in tow, you can dive deep into finding those difficult-to-find long-tail keywords that have a good chance of bringing more search engine visibility. Plus, it provides helpful stats like difficulty ranking (based on SEO), estimated monthly searches, CPC data…you name it! And if all goes according to plan, amazing things may happen for your website’s organic reach.
Headline Analyzer
Crafting the perfect headline can be a time-consuming task (to say the least); I’ve played with more than 15 before deciding on one! Yet even after my choice, there’s still that little thought in your head asking if it could have been better. That’s where this fantastic tool comes in to save the day – checking out all those little things we often miss – emotions, words used, and length (to name a few)– so you get an extra confidence boost just before hitting publish!
Graphic/Image Design
Get creative with Canva! It’s the perfect tool for anyone – from professionals to hobbyists. Use their suggested templates and customize your social media, email marketing, or any other project you have in mind – quickly and easily. Plus, it’s free, so why not give it a try?!
Social Media/Scheduling
As someone who swears by Tailwind, it’s a great scheduling tool for Pinterest and Instagram! It’ll recommend the most effective sharing times to get your content seen—plus keep track of just how much tail-wagging success you’re seeing. Scheduling 200+ pins with this excellent tool takes mere minutes each week; if only everything were so easy. Highly recommend!
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Google Analytics is essential if you want to stay on top of your website’s performance and better understand who’s visiting it. It gives you unlimited access to critical data that could help take your websites from ‘meh’ to magnificent – find out exactly which pages people are checking out, how long they’re staying for, and much more!
If you’re looking to boost your website’s SEO, Google Search Console is an essential tool. With it, you can effectively communicate with the search giant and ensure they know about your site – no tech know how required!
WordPress Plugins
Is your WordPress website missing the chance to get recognized by the internet’s most prominent players? With a tracking code manager plugin, you can ensure that all of those online giants – like Google Analytics and Search Console or even Pinterest – are up-to-date with verifying profiles for access. Plus, it also lets you add Facebook Tracking Pixel codes, so there’re no surprises later! This is an essential tool for success when setting up any WP site!
Website monetization
Need to get your website buzzing with ads? Look no further than Google AdSense. It’s an advertising placement service that makes it simple for you to create and place advertisements on your site without much technical know-how! Whether adding in extra revenue or promoting products, this platform is my go-to source when I need things rolling quickly and easily.
Email Marketing
ConvertKit is the ultimate email marketing solution for those looking to make their emails work smarter, not harder. With endless possibilities, it’s far superior to any other platform – making me highly recommend this innovative product! Whether you’re a professional blogger or just starting your business, ConvertKit has automation and sequencing capabilities to handle all your engagement needs.
My list is a great starting point but could be a more comprehensive resource; this list is not all-inclusive – so keep exploring new and exciting ways to learn about the topic. If you have anything that should be added to this list, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to hear from you and add quality resources to this list. That way, everyone can benefit from the best educational material available. Thanks for your help!
